Diet trends come and go. But a handful of diets have hung around in recent years and have stood the test of time, such as the Ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and the paleo diet. But with the help of science, there is a new diet that could change the way we eat forever, based on our own personal genetics. Seeing as everyone’s genes are unique to them, there is an idea that genetic-based diets can help you achieve optimal health, according to your specific needs.
So, if you’re interested in learning more about how the DNA diet works and its benefits, check out the rest of this blog.
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Nutrigenomics: What Does the Science Say?
The official term for the study of our genes and nutrition is nutrigenomics. In short, this practice aims to understand how our individual bodies respond to the foods we eat, and what we drink.
The overall premise of nutrigenomics is based on how we use this knowledge to promote activity in our ”good” genes while decreasing activity in our ”bad” genes. In other words, it may be possible to hack your own genes with nutrition.
If you aim to follow a DNA-based diet, your diet plan relies on a thorough analysis of your genetics. Your dietary recommendations are then based on your personal health and nutrition needs.
The overall aim of a genetic-based diet is not actually a weighted loss, but improved health, longevity, and resistance to nutrition-related chronic disease.
Scientists have realized that there is a connection between the bioactive compounds in the food we eat and our genes. Ultimately, our lifestyle choices can have a direct effect on how our genes respond and how this benefits the body.
Despite the scientific evidence there is to support a diet based on your genetics, nutrigenomics is still a relatively new field. It has a long way to go to accumulate evidence that these types of diets really work.
This being said, a personalized diet plan is nothing new to the world of dieting. Just two decades ago the blood-type diet became popular, based on eating the right foods according to your blood group’s needs.
What Are the Benefits of Genetic-Based Diets?
Many people believe that a diet tailored to your specific DNA is the next frontier of nutrition knowledge. But what are the actual benefits of a genetic-based diet?
- A personally tailored diet plan may increase compliance in your body, i.e. promote the use of healthy genes
- It can specifically target dietary goals that are best suited to your own body and its composition
- It defies the ”one-size-fits-all” approach of many diet plans because your genes are unique to you
- A DNA diet takes your individual gene interactions into consideration and recommends the best foods that are ideal for your body
The ultimate goal of this type of diet is to improve long-term health outcomes. While it may promote weight loss, a genetic-based diet aims to fire up your genetic profile to improve your resistance to illness and your likelihood of longevity.
What To Expect From a DNA Diet Test Kit
Today, you can get your hands on a DNA diet test kit to kickstart your journey to health. The kits themselves are super simple to use — you can order yours online and complete the DNA test in the comfort of your own home.
Your first step is to do some research online to find the best company offering DNA kits and to find the right kit to suit your needs. Don’t settle on your first choice, you want to look around and compare prices before buying your kit.
When your kit arrives, you’ll need to register with the company that you ordered the kit from. You can probably do this through the company website or app, if they have one.
Next up, you’ll have to collect a sample of your DNA. This is usually via a saliva sample or a simple swab of the inside of your cheek. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the kit very carefully and be wary of sample contamination!
Once you’ve collected your sample, you’ll have to send it back to them. Follow the instruction on how to do so and then wait for your results — this could take anywhere from one to six weeks.
When you receive your results, you should have a full analysis of your DNA. The breakdown will also include the recommended foods you should stick to according to your genetic makeup and what will suit your body best.
If you’re unsure about the recommendations, it’s best to consult your doctor or a registered dietician about these dietary changes. In fact, you should follow this step regardless, just to ensure the diet recommendations will not negatively impact your health.
What Your Results Might Say
So, what can you expect in terms of the diet recommendations you may receive? Basically, the DNA test will reveal a significant amount of information regarding how your body responds to certain foods and allergens.
For example, you may find out that you have a predisposition to Celiac disease, and you should avoid gluten where possible. You may receive information that you’re slightly intolerant to lactose and should cut back on lactose consumption.
You may even find out that you have a predisposition to more chronic illnesses such as diabetes. When you have knowledge of these conditions, you may feel more inclined to adjust your diet accordingly in order to benefit your health.
In other words, if you know that your body does not tolerate gluten well and this could lead to a chronic condition down the line, you might want to avoid it.
Overall, the aim is to promote smart choices when it comes to your nutrition based on what your body tolerates the best.
Recommendations for Fitness and Exercising
Along with the results you receive about your nutritional intolerances, you may also receive information about what type of exercise suits your body best. When it comes to weight loss and weight maintenance, nutrition is only part of the picture.
So with the knowledge of what you should be eating and the best form of exercise for your DNA, you can achieve optimal health, tailored to you.
Where To Buy the Best DNA Tests
In today’s day and age, there are a few specific companies that dominate the world of DNA diet and exercise testing. These are the companies you want to consider buying your test from, based on their solid reputation:
1. 23andMe
This is probably the most well-known and popular DNA testing company on the market today. The reason for this is that their tests are very reliable and offer comprehensive insights into your genetics.
If you’re looking for thorough results, you want to go for the health predisposition package. You’ll receive a testing kit that measures a number of health and nutrition-related factors. Some of which include your likelihood of developing diabetes, measuring your BRCA1/BRCA2 breast cancer genes, and testing for Celiac disease.
2. Ancestry.com
This is yet another highly popular DNA testing company, as they not only offer DNA diet testing but a range of genetic module testing too. When you receive your DNA diet testing kit, you can learn all about how susceptible you are to inherited disease.
The kit tests for diseases such as colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, digestive issues, and low or high iron.
3. Jenny Craig
You may already know about Jenny Craig as a popular weight loss company. Well, they have now entered the DNA testing realm, too. The DNA testing kits they supply are also highly comprehensive and include the following:
- Insights into how your body processes foods
- Insights into how your body responds to exercise
- Information regarding your sleep and how this affects your health
- Information on your eating patterns and metabolism
The results you receive determine the type of DNA decoder plan you are recommended. This plan includes strategies to help you navigate nutrition and exercise and how to overcome genetic predispositions.
Learn How To Make Health and Fitness a Priority in Your Life
The truth is that genetic-based diets are not for everybody. They take commitment and a major lifestyle adjustment. But if your health needs improving and need to make some serious life changes, a genetic-based diet could do wonders for you!
If you want to learn more about how to prioritize health and fitness in your life, this is the best place to be. Explore the rest of this site for regular updates on all things lifestyle, food, health, and more.
